3. Stuart Holden - even though it was not his best game of this tournament, he did provide the passes that led to both goals. And you can't argue with his confidence!2. Troy Perkins/Chad Marshall - Perkins came up with those two big saves, one in each half, at the exact right moment, killing the Honduras spirit. Well done! And Marshall did exactly what you need to do to Carlo Costly, lean on him and get him frustrated, he will mentally take himself out of the game at that point. Marshall seems destined for the World Cup squad if he keeps it up.1. Clarence Goodson - beyond that fact that he shares a unique name with my grandfather, his goal at the end of the first half was just what the old doc ordered. And they way he combined to stuff Carlos Costly all night long was fantastic

Colorado has officially announced the signing of Argentine forward Facundo Diz. He played this past season for Argentine 2nd division team Platense. By the way Platense's team nickname is Los Calamares or the Squids. Hahahaha. Fantastic.

dN

Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch has some interesting insider info on MLS player pay, several things in here that I have not read before:A Crew player who didn't want his name used said that the players are "really excited" about the CONCACAF Champions League games coming up, that "our contracts are geared toward league games." In other words, money talks. In addition to the $2,750 bonus that players divvy up for each Major League Soccer win, there is a big pot at the end; last year, Crew players split $196,000 for winning the MLS Cup.MLS players aren't paid extra for the initial six Champions League group-stage games but start earning additional money if the team is one of eight (out of 24) to reach the quarterfinals. The team that wins the Champions League is guaranteed at least $1 million when it enters the FIFA World Club Championship, of which $200,000 goes to the players, but that's off in the distance. The initial six games are scheduled from Aug. 18 to Oct. 23, in the midst of the MLS season.Crew general manager Mark McCullers says that MLS games are the top priority. But on a roster where there are six players making less than $40,000, enthusiasm for Champions League games might increase if the Crew gets close to cashing a paycheck there.

The Kansas City Star says the Wizards don't need to worry about Beckman coming to town this weekend - they need to WIN. KC has not scored a goal in July. Oof.-KC may see the debut of forward Adam Cristman on Saturday. He was formerly with New England and has missed a full year with foot troubles.

THIS JUST IN - FLASH NEW BULLETIN: MLS fines Bex $1000 for the verbal scuffle with the fans in LA. End of story. I still think he should have taken a seat in the stands for one game - in the Riot Squad.

A big game Thursday night saw #1 Portland host #2 Puerto Rico, only separated by goal difference. And it ended in a 0-0 draw, which to me gives the edge in that round to Puerto Rico, even though the standings don't change a bit.

dN

Friday night sees #3 Carolina travel to #4 Charleston in another big game. If Carolina gets the win the would be tied with 1 & 2 at the top. Stay tuned for drama.